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Korea Herald
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Ambassador Al-Hamar on 50 years of Qatar-Korea relations and Qatar's cultural diplomacy
The recent performance by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra in Seoul was more than an evening of music — it was a vivid expression of the deepening cultural dialogue between Qatar and Korea. Held in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, the concert struck a symbolic high note in a year filled with cross-cultural engagement. Khalid Ebrahim Al-Hamar, ambassador of the State of Qatar to Korea, described the event as a bridge between two cultures — one that brought the Qatari spirit to Korean audiences not through words or treaties, but through music. 'This performance, presented by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, was a channel of communication between peoples,' he said, adding that the concert "offers a glimpse into the development witnessed by the State of Qatar in all fields, especially the cultural field,' he said. The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, led by conductor Wilson Ng, took the stage over the weekend with top Korean artists, singer Sumi Jo and pianist Park Jae-hong. Founded in 2008, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, comprising 96 musicians from more than 30 countries, has emerged as a central institution in the country's efforts to cultivate and export culture. With a mission to blend Arab musical heritage with international repertoires, the orchestra has become both a national emblem and a diplomatic envoy, the ambassador explained. Its recent performance in Seoul was not only a celebration of Qatar's artistic evolution, but also a testament to the enduring friendship between the two countries, he added. That friendship, once anchored in trade and energy, has steadily expanded into education, tourism and increasingly, the arts, the ambassador said. In recent years, cultural ties have accelerated, with Qatari and Korean institutions hosting exhibitions, musical events and collaborative programs. The orchestra's visit followed a series of cultural initiatives marking the 50th anniversary, including Qatar Day at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, a translated book on Qatari heritage released in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Library, and a children's art contest co-hosted with the Multicultural Museum. Al-Hamar points to these efforts as part of a broader strategy — one that sees culture as an essential component of diplomacy. Qatar's approach to cultural diplomacy is deeply institutional, built on major investments in museums, heritage preservation and global arts initiatives. Landmark institutions such as the National Museum of Qatar and the Museum of Islamic Art not only reflect the nation's cultural identity but also function as tools of soft power on the world stage, according to the ambassador. One of Qatar's most prominent cultural platforms is the Years of Culture program, which partners annually with another country for a curated season of cultural exchange. Past partnerships have featured Japan, China and Indonesia. Ambassador Al-Hamar expressed strong interest in launching a Qatar-Korea Year of Culture, which would further solidify the foundation laid by events like the recent concert. Looking ahead, Al-Hamar was optimistic about the future of Qatar-Korea cultural relations. 'Qatari-Korean relations can now be described as advanced, solid, and based on mutual interests and benefits, yet open to further development. Although these relations were initially based solely on economics and trade, in recent years they have evolved into comprehensive, complementary relations across various fields, including culture," he said.
Korea Herald
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Qatar, Goyang city to expand cooperation
Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra to perform for 1st time in Korea at Aram Nuri Theater in Goyang The Embassy of Qatar and Goyang City pledged to enhance cooperation to strengthen Korea-Qatar diplomatic ties. In a meeting held at Goyang City Hall on Friday, Qatar's Ambassador to Korea, Khalid Ebrahim Al-Hamar, and Goyang Mayor Lee Dong-hwan discussed ways to achieve new milestones in Korea-Qatar ties. South Korea and Qatar established diplomatic relations on April 18, 1974. In October 2023, the two countries elevated their relationship from a "comprehensive partnership" to a "comprehensive strategic partnership," expanding diplomatic and security dialogue and reinforcing collaboration in defense and military affairs. The Middle Eastern country values South Korea's expertise in port and airport management, agriculture, data centers and healthcare. Due to its small population and dependence on foreign labor, Qatar is keen to partner with Korea on infrastructure automation. 'Last year, to mark the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic relationship, the Goyang Cultural Foundation and the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra signed a memorandum of understanding,' said Mayor Lee, pointing to growing ties with Qatar in culture, arts and education. According to the Goyang city government, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra will perform for the first time in Korea this April at the Aram Nuri Theater in Goyang. 'I hope this performance will further strengthen the cultural and emotional bonds between our two nations,' said the mayor, praising Qatar's success in hosting the World Cup and highlighting Goyang's rise as a global cultural hub. Lee also referred to Goyang's role as a concert venue for top artists, including Jungkook of BTS, Kanye West and Blackpink. 'Through mutual exchanges in culture, arts and education, as well as strengthened global content cooperation, I hope Qatar and Goyang Special City will continue to develop a progressive and forward-looking relationship for a better future,' he said. "We will push forward with attracting prestigious international schools to Goyang by benchmarking Qatar's Education City to create a global educational environment," he said. Expressing appreciation for Lee's initiatives, Al-Hamar emphasized that while Qatar-Korea relations have traditionally centered on economic cooperation, particularly in the gas and energy sectors, efforts are needed to broaden partnerships into other fields. Qatar is a crucial energy security partner for Korea, especially for liquefied natural gas imports. Korean companies have built many of Qatar's major infrastructure projects, including roads, hospitals, power plants and industrial facilities, making Qatar an essential overseas construction market for Korea. The ambassador noted that while Korea was once mainly recognized for its economic and political importance, it has recently gained global recognition for its remarkable contributions in drama and the arts. 'Music is one of the most essential mediums for fostering cultural exchange and expanding the significance of culture between our two nations,' he said. 'Globally, Korea's music and arts have reached the highest level of excellence,' he said. The event proposed initiatives such as establishing a Free Economic Zone and attracting global enterprises. It also discussed forming a sister-city relationship between Doha and Goyang. "Media from both countries also have a key role in raising awareness across diverse areas between the two nations," Al Hamar told The Korea Herald. After the official event, Herald Media Group CEO Choi Jin-young suggested media diplomacy to engage people and expand areas of awareness. To promote multifaceted content exchanges between Korea and Qatar, The Korea Herald and The Peninsula, an English-language daily published in Doha, Qatar, established media partnerships aimed at fostering mutual awareness and content sharing. In March 2022, they signed an agreement on the sidelines of the 20th Doha Forum to activate journalistic exchanges between Qatar and Korea. Held annually in Doha since 2003, the forum brings together global policymakers to build action-driven networks. The Korea Herald has covered diplomatic discussions there since 2022.
